Breaking: Life Sentence for Maine Murderer; Tennessee Passes Death Penalty Law for Child Rapists; Supreme Court Ruling on Homeless Issues in Springfield, Freelance Workers’ New Protections and More in Latest News Roundup

Springfield Watch brings you the latest news, weather, sports, and breaking updates. In recent developments, a Maine man has been sentenced to life in prison for murders and a shooting spree, while Tennessee has passed a law allowing the death penalty for child rapists. The ripple effects of the border crisis in Rio are also affecting the United States, and the Karen Read murder trial is still ongoing.

On a local level, the Springfield approach to homeless issues may not change despite a Supreme Court ruling. Freelance workers now have new protections under a law that took effect on July 1. The US Supreme Court has declined to review cases on Illinois’ assault weapons ban, and cities are now allowed to ban outdoor sleeping, which has sparked mixed reactions. Officials hope that a new apartment complex will boost downtown Springfield’s economy.

In national and world news, a new book honors the women who influenced Theodore Roosevelt. NEA members are pushing for an Israel boycott at their annual meeting, ignoring education priorities. Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm, is heading towards Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and has already caused six deaths. The Biden White House staff has reached a record number with a $225 million payroll, and Temu’s alleged data collection practices have caught the attention of states across the US.